Retro 60s Men's Shoes & Boots

Written by alex baker

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Men's fashions changed radically in the '60s, as did practically everything else. These changes are reflected in the way footwear evolved over the course of the decade. It began with the mod-inspired styles of the early '60s before moving on to the hippie fashions of '67, '68 and '69.

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Beatle Boots

Beatle boots were a kind of Cuban-heeled ankle boot with a pointed toe that were named after the famous group for whom they were originally made. Beatle boots were typically made from black leather and had either a zipper or elastic on the side to make them easier to take off and put on. The shoe originated in 1961 when John Lennon and Paul McCartney commissioned four pairs of them. They subsequently became widely popular.

Chelsea Boots

The Chelsea boot was the predecessor of the Beatle boot. Although Chelsea boots in one form or another date back to the Victorian era, they are most closely associated with the 1960s British mod scene. The Chelsea boot is a tight-fitting, ankle-high boot has a non-Cuban heel and generally has elastic on the side to allow for easy taking off and putting on.

Moccasins

The moccasin became popular in the late '60s, as mod fashions were eclipsed by hippie styles, which often paid homage to Native American modes of dress. Hippies are often thought of as having gone shoeless, so it makes sense that they would have adopted simple, comfortable shoes like leather moccasins.

Sandals

Sandals were another mode of footwear that men adopted as the hippie phenomenon and its accompanying fashion trends became more prevalent. Hippies often preferred to forgo shoes altogether and go barefoot; thus sandals became popular for the freedom and comfort they provided.